How to obtain copies of West Virginia vital records, such as West Virginia birth certificates, West Virginia death records, West Virginia marriage licenses & West Virginia divorce decrees. See the guidelines for general information on how to order vital records. Check the related links for additional vital records and genealogical information on West Virginia.

Please Note: The information contained on these pages is not guaranteed, as addresses and prices change frequently. It is recommended that you confirm the price and address by calling the vital records office before you place your order. This web site is not associated with any government office.

Birth and death records are only available to immediate family members. Make check or money order payable to Vital Registration. Be advised, there was a fire in 1921 that destroyed many records, , however, most counties have records from 1853. Some counties also have marriage records from 1870.

West Virginia is not an "open record" state. Access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted. For earlier records, write to the Clerk of County Court in the county where the birth occurred. Fees vary.

Most counties have records from 1853. Some counties also have marriage records from 1870. Divorce records are kept by the county clerk of the circuit court. Probate records have been kept by the county courts and are found in deed books and court order books. Naturalization proceedings were recorded in the minutes and dockets of the courts until 1906, since any court could naturalize immigrants. After 1929, only federal courts handled naturalizations.

The Utilization of West Virginia Vital Records for Genealogy Projects and Family Trees

The growing number of family trees and genograms that are popping up these days is an indication of its popularity. The internet has proven to be a component in this pastime gaining ground among enthusiasts. You should be feeling pride as you attempt to keep your heritage alive with this project. It can be fun to even draft others in your fold to help you in your mission. The act of archiving your personal history can be a rewarding assignment, not a boring one. The preservation of your family culture can be a source for future family members to cherish.

Family Trees Need Proper Seeding at the Start

Amateur or professional, the genealogist of all levels starts with a very basic knowledge of his family. At the very beginning, this researcher can jot down on the fresh family tree the names of the family he shares a house with. Without looking at any notes, can you name the members of your family? If you cannot do this task, then you may need some assistance that a genealogy expert cannot give to you. The West Virginia vital records can indeed help the willing genealogy fan. If you have established that you know the members of your family who live with you, and you are ready to take some further steps in research, then you may be ready to look at the West Virginia vital records.

Some people who want to make a family tree know very little about ancestral research. They must keep in mind that family trees have a different look with each family. A genogram is a kind of family tree that not only shows names and dates, but it also emphasizes hereditary traits within the family. Relationships based on medical factors can be focused on with this type of family tree.

Family Trees Will Bloom with Detailed Research

The design and creation of your family tree must have lots of evidence to be called authentic. You must think about perusing the West Virginia vital records for this proof that you so desperately need. The relevant data that will highlight your genealogical project is found here, and it is relatively simple to maneuver. Please memorize the names that you call your household members. After this material is engraved in your brain, seek out the birth certificates and death records of ancestors through the West Virginia vital records.

Your venture into genealogical studies may be a tedious one at times. The temptation to feel exasperated may be great; however, you are not at a dead end. These valuable documents are available in a central locale. They are also there for the public to view, thanks to the Mountain State. Did you know that investigating your ancestors’ birth and death dates could be as simple as this? You never know: you could have found a lifelong passion in genealogy, and you may be able to help other prospective ancestral archivists on their journeys.